Month: July 2024

Redbridge libraries have teamed up with librarians across the capital to launch a new app that takes inspiration from the Couch to 5k fitness plan to get people reading more.

Developed by London Libraries – the London network of national library charity Libraries Connected – Read On uses curated recommendations, reading challenges, interactive quizzes and personalised reading plans to gradually make reading a regular part of users’ lives.

Aimed at Londoners who would like to read more, Read On is a digital gateway to a universe of books, crafted with care by the very librarians who bring London’s public libraries to life. It’s been designed to inspire, challenge, and support readers not only to increase the number of books they read, but to widen the range of genres, authors and styles they enjoy.

Read On’s integrated map feature means users can easily find their nearest London library to discover new books and authors, attend literary events and connect with fellow book lovers.

The app has been launched just in time for the summer holidays, when people tend to read more to relax. The team behind Read On hope the app can turn the traditional “beach read” into a year-round habit, with all the benefits that brings. Research has shown that reading for pleasure can reduce feelings of stress and depression, increase self-esteem and improve our ability to cope with difficult situations. Adults who read for just 30 minutes a week are 20% more likely to report greater life satisfaction.

The app was made possible by funding from the LibraryOn grant programme. Supported by Arts Council England and facilitated by the British Library, the LibraryOn 2023 grant fund enabled library services to boost their digital presence and enhance their discoverability for new and existing users.

Read On was developed by Novellic, a London-based team experienced in crafting reader-facing mobile apps for publishers and book charities. Their self-titled flagship book club app also powers the book recommendations in the Read On app.

Residents can download the iOS and Android app here or visit any Redbridge library to find out more.

Gareth Morley, Director of Arts, Culture and Libraries, commented:

“”I am thrilled to announce the collaborative effort of Redbridge Libraries and library teams across London in developing an innovative app aimed at promoting a reading culture among our residents. We understand the importance of reading for overall well-being but finding time to read is a challenge for many. This app is designed to foster a consistent reading routine and provide personalised book recommendations from our library collections”

Rachel Levy, Head of Barbican & Community Libraries, who led the project for London Libraries, commented:

“We know that many people really want to read more but feel they don’t have the time or get distracted. Read On is there to hold your hand as you gradually increase the number and range of books that you read with realistic, achievable goals. Whether you’re an avid reader who needs a little motivation to get through that ‘to be read’ pile or someone who hasn’t picked up a book in years, we want Read On to revive the joy of reading in the digital age.”

Tiina Hill, LibraryOn, Head of Delivery, commented:

“The LibraryOn 2023 grant programme supported digital projects in libraries that help users to discover what their local library offers more easily. Read On does this brilliantly through through-provoking challenges and quizzes, it also boosts the digital capability of London libraries and creates an innovative way for new and existing users to engage with their library online. We’re also delighted that the LibraryOn map has been integrated into the app and will help users find recommended books in their nearest library.”

Candide Kirk, founder of Novellic, commented:

“We were thrilled to get involved with this project. We could immediately spot how the unique features that the librarians had identified would complement existing reader tools, and how our experience building bookish apps meant we could deliver a quality reader experience to achieve that vision. We are particularly proud to be powering the book recommendations on Read On directly from our flagship Novellic app, where years of expertise and reader input have built up a matching system that helps even the most reluctant reader discover their preferred genres and book titles.”

On Thursday 11 July 2024, Redbridge Town Hall was abuzz with excitement as students, teachers, and school librarians gathered for the 21st annual Redbridge Children’s Book Award ceremony.

Redbridge Schools’ Library Service, managed by Vision RCL on behalf of Redbridge Council, organised the Awards where all schools are invited to take part, giving young people across Redbridge an opportunity to enter poetry, short and quiz competitions and to vote for their favourite children and teen books published in the UK in the current year.

This year, the Awards were attended by the Mayor of Redbridge, Cllr Sheila Bain. Other guests included Cllr Kam Rai, Deputy Leader, and Cllr Namreen Chaudhry, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture & Communities.

Once the selection and shortlist process has taken place, winners and runners-up are invited to the annual awards ceremony, where students are also given special recognition for their writing ability, plus an opportunity to meet their favourite author in person.

This year the following schools took part and attended the award ceremony:

Secondary Schools:

• Ilford County High School
• The Palmer Academy
• Loxford Secondary
• Seven Kings High School
• Valentines High School
• Wanstead High School
• West Hatch High School
• Woodford County High School

Primary Schools:

• Barley Lane Primary
• Downshall Primary
• Fairlop Primary
• Loxford Primary
• Snaresbrook Primary
• William Torbitt Primary

During the ceremony, illustrator Steve May led a delightful draw-along session, guiding budding artists in drawing his `Bitey Bitey’ character. We were also privileged to have six of the shortlisted authors present, including Rachel Delahaye, Kika Hatzopoulou, Alice Ross, Joel Arcanjo, Ravena Guron, and Alexandra Christo. These authors were warmly welcomed by eager students to get their books signed.

A drumroll, loud cheers, and applause set the stage for the announcement of the winners of the 2024 Redbridge Children’s Book Award:

• Children’s Category: “The Final Year” by Matt Goodfellow
• Teen Category: “Threads that Bind” by Kika Hatzopoulou

The event also recognised winners in various competitions:

Poetry Competition:

• Junior Category: “These are my Streets” by Aya Dehmous (Valentines High School)
• Teenage Category: “No Lamborghinis This Side of Town” by Sarah Ansaf (Woodford County High School)

Short Story Competition:

• Junior Category: “Gaming” by Zayan Khan (Wanstead High School)
• Teenage Category: “Daniel’s Last Supper” by Daniel Niewczasinski-Kirkland (Wanstead High School)

Book Jacket Competition:

• Junior Category: Connie Ruane (Wanstead High School)
• Teenage Category: Maria Lee (Woodford County High School)

Quiz Winners:

• Children’s Section: Snaresbrook Primary
• Teenage Section: Woodford County High

Chair of Vision Trustees, Martin Solder said:

“It is important to keep young people enthusiastic and passionate about books and reading, the Redbridge Book Awards is a unique opportunity to meet their favourite authors.

This event would not have been possible without the enthusiastic participation of students, librarians, and teachers, as well as the hard work of the Redbridge Schools’ Library Service who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who attended, especially our authors Rachel Delahaye, Kika Hatzopoulou, Alice Ross, Joel Arcanjo, Ravena Guron, and Alexandra Christo, who made the afternoon memorable for the children.”

One student expressed their excitement, stating, “It was super fun – now I want to be an author in the Redbridge Book Awards.” Another student added, “It was really cool being able to meet the authors.”